183 Series

183 /189 series
An 183 series set on an additional Minakami service, January 2008
In service	1972–Present
Manufacturer	Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Kinki Sharyo, Nippon Sharyo, Tokyu Car Corporation, JR-West
Constructed	1972–2004
Number preserved	5 vehicles
Operator(s)	JNR (1972–1987) JR East (1987–Present) JR-West (1990–March 2013)
Specifications
Car body construction	Steel
Car length	21,000 mm (68 ft 11 in) (end cars) 20,500 mm (67 ft 3 in) (intermediate cars)
Width	2,946 mm (9 ft 8.0 in)
Maximum speed	120 km/h (75 mph)
Traction system	Resistor control
Electric system(s)	1,500 V DC
Current collection method	overhead catenary
Braking system(s)	Dynamic brake, electro-pneumatic brake
Safety system(s)	ATS-S, ATC-5
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

The 183 series (183系, Hyaku-hachijūsan-kei^?) is a Japanese limited express electric multiple unit (EMU) train type introduced in 1972 by Japanese National Railways (JNR), and currently operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East), and formerly also operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR-West). In terms of design, it is closely based on the late-model AC/DC 485 series, with minor cosmetic differences and DC-only drive.

The trains were built by Hitachi, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Kinki Sharyo, Nippon Sharyo, and Tokyu Car Corporation.

The 183 series trains operated by JR-West were actually DC-only conversions of 485 series trainsets. They were used on limited-express services from Kyoto and Shin-Osaka to the northern coast of Kyoto and Hyogo prefectures, as part of the "Kitakinki Big X Network". These trainsets were gradually phased out from spring 2011 in favor of the new 287 series, and completely removed from regular scheduled services by the start of the revised timetable on 16 March 2013.